PCB Takes Charge: Mohsin Naqvi Pledges Resources to Salvage Pakistan Hockey Operations
LAHORE – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced immediate administrative and financial intervention to support the national hockey team following a logistics meltdown during their tour of Australia. The intervention comes amid widespread outrage regarding the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) inability to provide basic accommodation for players during the FIH Hockey Pro League assignment.
Naqvi, who concurrently serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, clarified that while he is not assuming the PHF presidency, the cricket board will leverage its resources to stabilize the national sport. The crisis highlights the stark financial disparity between cricket and other sports in the region.
Logistics Failure in Australia
The controversy erupted after players reported substandard treatment by the PHF while on international duty. According to team sources, the federation failed to secure hotel bookings, forcing the squad into Airbnb accommodations where they were responsible for their own housekeeping and meals.
Key grievances reported by the squad included:
- Lack of Accommodation: Players alleged they were left on the streets for hours upon arrival due to unbooked rooms.
- Self-Catering: Athletes were required to purchase groceries, cook their own food, and clean utensils instead of focusing on match preparation.
- Zero Daily Allowance: Reports indicated delays in daily stipends usually provided to touring athletes.
PCB Financial Bailout and Strategic Support
In a meeting with the hockey squad, Naqvi declared that the “country’s dignity” would not be compromised by administrative incompetence. To address the immediate turmoil, the PCB has reportedly sanctioned cash disbursements to the players.
| Support Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Aid | PKR 1 million (approx. $3,600 USD) per player. |
| Training Facilities | Establishment of a dedicated training camp in Lahore for World Cup qualifiers. |
| Administrative Role | PCB to oversee logistics; Naqvi rules out taking PHF Presidency. |
“We will accommodate hockey players in every possible way. We will extend complete cooperation to streamline hockey affairs,” Naqvi stated. “You should focus only on the game. Pakistan’s honor comes first.”
Administrative Fallout and Captain’s Reinstatement
The operational collapse triggered high-profile resignations and disciplinary disputes within the PHF. PHF President Tariq Bugti tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the public backlash. However, prior to his departure, Bugti suspended national captain Ammad Shakeel Butt for two years, a move that further incited player unrest.
Following Naqvi’s intervention, Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt confirmed that the suspension is set to be reversed. The PCB’s involvement aims to ensure the team can prepare for upcoming International Hockey Federation (FIH) events without off-field distractions.
Naqvi utilized social media to define the scope of his involvement, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “I am not becoming Hockey Federation President, but we will assist players till this turmoil ends.” This move mirrors previous instances where the Pakistan Cricket Board has acted as a stabilizer for struggling sports bodies in the country.
Future Implications
The PCB’s oversight is expected to continue through the preparation phase for the Hockey World Cup qualifiers. The board will manage the upcoming training camp in Lahore, ensuring athletes have access to professional-grade facilities and nutrition, a standard strictly maintained for Pakistan’s cricketers but often lacking in other disciplines.